The bronze Buddha at Seoraksan is as impressive, if not more than the photos make it look. Let’s take a deeper look into the history and meaning behind this incredible religious artifact.
Overview of Buddha of Seoraksan
The Great Bronze Buddha of Seoraksan National Park is located about a 10-minute walk from the entrance of Sinheungsa Temple (신흥사(설악산). Towering at a height of approximately 10 meters, this colossal statue grabs the imagination and attention of everyone as they enter the park. The Great Bronze Buddha, also known as the Jwabul (좌불) Statue. Jwabul means ‘sitting buddha’ in Korean. The Jwabul statue at Seoraksan not only stands out not only for its size, but also for its spiritual significance.
Symbolism of Buddha Statues
The posture and hand placements of Buddha carry a great deal of symbolism. When looking at a statue you want to consider different aspects which have been summarized as follows:
- Reclining Buddha:
- Represents the final moments of Buddha’s life, called parinirvana.
- Symbolizes the transition of those who’ve achieved enlightenment, leading to nirvana-after-death.
- Sitting Buddha:
- Can symbolize teaching, meditation, or the journey to enlightenment.
- Hand gestures (mudras) determine the sitting statue’s meaning, like the bhumisparsha mudra.
- Three sitting positions:
- Virasana (Hero’s Pose or Half Lotus): Legs crossed, one foot’s sole turned upward.
- Vajrasana (Lotus or Diamond Pose): Legs folded, both feet’s soles turned upward.
- Pralambanasana (European Sitting Pose): Buddha seated upright in a chair.
- Standing Buddha:
- Represents Buddha being stationary, ready to teach or repel conflict.
- Feet firmly on the ground indicates readiness to travel and teach.
- Upward-facing soles (as in vajrasana) mean Buddha is in a receptive, meditative state.
- Walking Buddha:
- Depicts Buddha in motion, symbolizing inner peace and grace.
- Represents either the start of Buddha’s teaching journey or his return from a heavenly sermon.
- Shoes on some statues indicate earthly desires hindering the path to enlightenment.
Such symbolism was clearly used when designing the Jwabul Buddha of Seoraksan that sits in Seoraksan National Park.
Design of the Buddha of Seoraksan National Park
The Great Bronze Buddha is seated in a lotus position, with one hand resting on its lap and the other pointing towards the ground. This pose is known as the “Earth Witness Mudra,” symbolizing the moment when the Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his enlightenment. The Buddha has a serene expression as he sits with half-closed eyes and a gentle smile which gives a sense of peace and compassion.
The Buddha of Seoraksan statue’s bronze surface has a greenish patina, a result of natural oxidation over time. This patina adds to the statue’s charm, giving it an ancient and timeless appearance.
Surrounding the Buddha are smaller statues and stone carvings, each with its own significance in Buddhist teachings. The entire setting, with the backdrop of Seoraksan’s mountains, creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The entire setting serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s teachings on love, kindness, and the path to enlightenment.
Cultural and Touristic Significance of Buddha of Seorakan
The Great Bronze Buddha of Seoraksan is not just a religious icon but also a major tourist attraction. Visitors from all over the world come to witness its grandeur and soak in the tranquility it offers. Many take a moment to sit in its presence, meditating or simply reflecting. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Korea and a symbol of peace, hope, and enlightenment. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a curious traveler, this iconic statue is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For many, the statue serves as a bridge between the natural beauty of Seoraksan and the spiritual teachings of Buddhism. It’s a place where nature and spirituality converge, offering a unique and enriching experience.
Buddhism is an Active Religion
Even though the Great Bronze Buddha exists as a tourist destination, please remember that it’s also a religious artifact currently in use. Many Buddhists visit the statues and the temples for religious purposes. Be considerate of rituals and traditions. Do not climb on the statue or interrupt worshippers visiting the statue.
You can learn more about Korean Buddhist Temple Etiquette here:
Differences in Korean Buddhism
Much like Korean Christianity, Korean Buddhism contains a variety of unique characteristics and qualities. The variations in Korean Buddhism go back to cultural and geographical influences over the centuries. Read more about this in The Korean Post.
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